If you care about the wellbeing of your child or children stay clear of this gym. If you advocate for your child, stay clear of this gym. If you want your children spending long periods of time in an unhealthy training environment with a head coach "god complex" ego, then look no further.  I cannot speak for Crenshaws after school program, camps, or palestra program, but if you're looking for an Optional or Compulsories training program here's my honest review.  We first started noticing issues with the constant change in coaching staff. In the last three years we've seen 2-3 coach changes. The latest newest edition being the worst. They bark orders at the girls and offer put downs when there is no delivery. My daughter felt this coaching style began to rub off on the other coaches. We were met with many meltdowns after training due to this specific coach. Hysterical crying and shaking. If you directed concerns to the head coach your child would be blamed for bringing this response on. We noticed over our tenor here that our daughter was scared and intimidated to communicate. Not to us as parents but to the coaching staff. She feared retaliation from her coaches. If she was interested in attending a gymnastics college summer camp with her peers, they would all be terrified to to mention it due to how the coaches would respond. Of course, you'd think attending a college gymnastics camp would be encouraged - it's not. If my daughter suffered an injury, she did not want to mention it to her coaches, scared of how they would treat her or push her to train on the pain. If my child was running late to practice, she was terrified to communicate her occurrence. This all goes against USAG Safe Sport Policy.  This gym says "family" is their mantra but that's a lie. It's the head coach's idea of family. He feels he owns your kids once they join the team. He acts as their father, at least what he thinks is a father. It's by far the unhealthiest part of this facility. He cancels parents and does not allow parents inside the gym. There are no windows to observe your children, there are no seats or seating within the gymnasium that welcome parents to watch practice to ensure your child's safety. You're told you're welcome to pull up a chair when you first join but this is not true. Most parents when we ask questions are met with snarky comments, attitude, pettiness, unprofessional responses, or no response at all. This is no way to conduct business. Your kids are bred to have their own communication with the coach that does not pertain to you. This means if your kid suffers from anxiety or depression, it will only worsen because the head coach does not want you as an adult to protect the child and speak adult to adult. Coach to parent. I'm all for children learning to communicate and advocate for themselves in a healthy manner but this is not that.  He's most comfortable texting your youth or adolescents. He rather hear from your kid how they cannot attend practice because you as a parent have a conflict, planned a family vacation, or other plans etc, so he can punish your child for your decisions or hold them accountable for something that does not pertain to them. This is just a toxic form of control. Over our time here we met with the head coach,Adam Miller, numerous times to discuss our concerns or issues as concerned parents. Each discussion showed more and more how he does not like to take ownership for his wrong doings. He would constantly point fingers at the children. During each discussion instead of being met with concern or willingness to change, we were met with communication that said, "Maybe this isn't the gym for you all". We were always told in so little words to just get out and our daughter was indispensable. This is not a family.  Our daughter was always pulled to the side and addressed about various things without our knowledge. She's 14 and unable to comprehend all conversations yet the coaching staff assumed or assumes these young gymnasts are adults, they're not. Every conversation she had without an adult present bred toxicity. She was being bullied, coerced, and always accused of wrongdoing. She was left feeling isolated and alone. All parts of their toxic control they like to flex.  In the end, I had to ask my daughter if this were a relationship would you stay? She told me no. I asked why, and she said because she's constantly manipulated, always accused that everything is her fault, and voiceless.  Overall, the head coach is unwilling to welcome healthy change. He rather continue with the same traditions that have led to years of gymnastics, toxic culture and adolescent abuse.  If you want to feel targeted and enjoy being disrespected, this is a place for you.  I would not recommend this gym to anyone. read more

See all

Great classes water aerobics my favorite friendly staff. Children's programs are excellent.

I just read a review about the competitive gymnastic team coaches. I don't have time or the inclination to rebuff every single one of those comments but they are categorically false. If you read the text exchange you can see the problem is with the parents and not the coaching staff. The parents should not determine whether or not their child competes. If they want that kind of authority then they need to coach their own child some place else. Second, this family has been at several gyms over the last 6 years - at some pint you have to ask is it the gyms/coaches or the family. Finally, the entire review is full of contradictions and honestly it borders on libel. We have been a part of Crenshaws for over 17 years. We would not trade it for another gym. Our daughter thrived on the team and is now a D1 collegiate athlete who goes to visit her coaches as soon as she comes to town. I implore you to see that bad review as the trash and libel it is. The fact that it mentions safe sport is simply laughable. read more

This is a very fun, welcoming place that reminds me of the YMCA in the small town where I grew up (and that is a very good thing). The best review came from my 6 year old, who, after attending one class here, wiggled around like a maniac and said "I freaking love this place!" We had a little discussion about the new word "freaking," but I freaking love it too. We come back whenever we can. read more

Crenshaws has been solid and positive part of our family for over 5 years. Our kiddos started with gymnastics as toddlers which significantly promoted agility and coordination. They each have since also learned swimming skills including safety and stroke techniques as an extension of the After School Care. Now, both my son and daughter are advancing their gymnastics as part of the well known team and just love it! Throughout COVID, the communication and consistency to remain safe while providing a since of normalcy has been extremely appreciated. I have and will continue to strongly recommend Crenshaws for families and individuals of all ages! read more

Crenshaw is amazing!! They really care so much about the kids in our community. My daughter not only took a weekly gymnastics class when she was 4 years old at Crenshaw, but as 1st grader, the summer day camp this past summer was absolutely phenomenal. She had so much fun every day and went for almost the entire summer. There was swimming, art, singing, dancing, gymnastics, games and so much more that kept her busy, engaged and active throughout the day. The staff was awesome and was really able to form great bonds with the kids. My daughter loved Ms Veronica, Mandy, and the whole crew!! Crenshaw really went over and beyond this fall 2020 school year with their remote learning camp. They adapted to the frequent AISD changes and worked with families to provide a safe and productive learning environment which also included a social dynamic with other kids in the same age range. I honestly don't know what we would of done with Crenshaw this summer and fall! We look forward to hopefully getting into summer camp next year!! read more

My daughter loves Crenshaw. She goes there for summer camps; she had her birthday party there 2-3 times; she even took some regular gymnastic classes for a few months. When my daughter was younger, she was scared of pools and water. We took her to a swim lesson (not in Crenshaw) when she was 4.5 years old. She got so scared, she refused to even enter the building. But later at Crenshaw when she was a bit older, a teacher was able to get my daughter worked through her fears. She now loves swimming, has no problem diving and putting her head in water. Crenshaw also has an after-school program for Casis, Doss and Highland Park. You got to get your acts together when it comes to signing up for the after-school program. The year my daughter was supposed to enter kindergarten at Casis, I did not get my acts together. :-( I sat on the application form until it was too late. She did not get in. Every year afterwards (we're on our 3rd year try), we try to get her in, but it's always full. Crenshaw gives privileges to returning kids and they only have so many spots for certain school and certain grade. I really admire the Elsasses, the owner of Crenshaw. They have created a unique place for kids. Their gymnastic program is one of the best. You should come to one of their Gym Khana (the end of the year/semester gymnastic recital/show). It's a spectacular show. Prices for their programs are very affordable. It's the best value for your money. read more

We were celebrating an awesome birthday party here at Crenshaw Athletic Club. Start at the cottage, then an hour of gymnastics, and continuing at the cottage with water and snack. Just wonderful for kids to get their energy out with their friends. There were 3 teachers who helped the large group. read more

Crenshaw Athletic Club - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Austin, Texas

My family is so grateful for the presence of such an amazing athletic club that is also an important stakeholder in developing kids in our community! Crenshaws is a second home for my two boys, and they have participated in most of the youth programs from gymnastics to summer camps and aftercare. It is most certainly a gem and everyone at Crenshaw's is like a family to my kids and vested in their growth in a holistic level. Most recently with COVID, we were so grateful to have Crenshaw's as a remote camp that was top notch and made it possible for us to work worry free during these crazy times! read more

I have been blown away by the whole Crenshaw's team during last 9 months of unprecedented chaos and change related to COVID. My 7 year old daughter was part of their summer program and then transitioned into the remote learning camp for Fall Semester of 2020. The folks at Crenshaw feel like family and have done an OUTSTANDING job of accommodating the needs of remote learners over the past several months. Can't say enough good things about them!! read more

There are not enough words to describe the love our family has for Crenshaws. Our children both took gymnastics on Saturday mornings when they toddlers which was a great deal of fun for them. Once they started elementary school we were lucky enough to get them spots in the after school program. We pick up happy and tired kids each evening. They swim, play, get gymnastic lessons, do arts and crafts and homework. The summers camps are super fun as well. Non-Covid summer camps are all of the above as well as field trips and swimming. Covid camps were well managed and safe. Crenshaws has been our saving grace during this pandemic. Husband and I both work full time and have had the privilege to have our children in their wonderful care while AISD is remote only. They have been so nimble and flexible during these crazy times. Both of my children's teachers have commented on what a great job the Crenshaw Crew has done with remote PODs. Lastly, the staff is amazing. Loving, friendly, engaged and consistent. They are the absolute best at communication. Such wonderful relationships and bonds are made with children and staff. read more

Our boys 7 & 5 YO participated in their spring break all day camp this year 2022. My 7 yo has a lot of anxiety about trying new things and places (anxiety that surfaced after more than a year of pandemic protocol) and has a hard time returning to school and socializing after we home schooled during the pandemic. he cried all morning before we dropped him off the first day. Each day we picked up the kids and they were tired from swimming and all the activities. On the fourth day my 7 YO said that while he is there he likes to pretend that his swim coach is his dad and his teacher is his mom and all the students are his brothers and sisters because it feels like a big happy family. I asked him why he feels that way and he said "because everyone is so nice" my heart just melted. This is by far the highest compliment I could imagine coming from my son who is having a difficult time connecting to others due to the pandemic. I too have noted how nice the staff are, the facility is great the directors set a tone of "let's do what kids enjoy" and the children attending follow suit. All the kids were very nice and inviting as well. I strongly recommend this place. read more

My niece started at Crenshaw in January. After 4 visits, there had been no instruction. Only "observation." Which really wasn't observation at all. Children were completely unsupervised as teenaged kids attended to certain kids that they already knew and kids they were targeting to be on a competitive team. New kids (preschoolers!) were left to run around and bounce on trampolines and other gymnastics equipment with little to no guidance and ZERO instruction. We stopped attending because it was dangerous and a waste of time, and no one at Crenshaw even bothered to contact us to see why a child who had paid for a full semester stopped coming after less than a month. AVOID. read more

We've had a mixed experience at Crenshaw's. Both of our daughters attended gymnastics classes during their kindergarten year. Our older daughter hated them and fought us when it was time to go. The younger one loves gymnastics-- though I honestly can't say how much of that is a credit to Crenshaw's and how much is just intrinsic love and some natural talent. I have not felt a very personal connection to the instructors. Particularly for the first kid (who was not super at gymnastics on her own), I don't feel like anyone really took the time to "know" and connect to my kids. When classes get out, it's pretty chaotic-- lots of kids all dumping out into a small space. They do not pair kids to adults, which doesn't bother me, but may bother some. We do have a good friend who found her preschooler wandering in the parking lot after class. Um, oops. Better be on time! Location is fairly convenient for us. I think a kid with a good amount of interest and drive on their own will do fine. Others probably won't be inspired. In the grand scheme of kid activities, I'd put Crenshaw's gymnastics classes in the average category. read more

Great swim lessons! The first place to actually get my kids to swim. Even when the girls are panicked they help take control and get them in the water. I really love this place, worth every penny. read more

We have been sending our daughter here for a few summers to participate in Crenshaws various camps. She loves it here. This year she took gymnastics and swimming. The staff always is friendly and helpful. They even get to go on field trips such as going bowling or to the Childrens Museum. Nice way to break up the summer for the kids in a healthy fun way. read more

We haven't taken another toddler class here, so I can't say if those have improved, but I can say that I've seen the new after school care people at the park with the Crenshaw kids a lot and wow, what a turn around. One day I saw one teacher enthusiastically get kickball game going, while another male teacher led a beading project w a table of girls (super cute) and a third teacher had a sweet one on one conversation with a student while on the swings. They obviously put a lot of effort into hiring this year. If I was a working parent needing after school care, I'd send my kids here without a worry, knowing that they would have fun. And I really admire businesses that can turn critical feedback into positive changes, esp when that means more fun and happiness for kids. read more

My daughter is in her third year at the Palaestra program and her sister just started this year. I don't think there is any program like this in all of Austin. The combination of swim/gym/academics is pretty genius. Have you ever seen 10-12 preschoolers move efficiently from one place to another? The kids learn discipline, kindness, impulse control and how to follow the rules (all the most important lessons for pre K) but they also learn their alphabet, writing, basic science, artists (not just doing art, they learn about the artists and styles too) It's truly the most well rounded program I've seen. I've heard that kids from Creshaws are favorites in Kindergarten, we'll find out for ourselves next year. For now, I am just so happy that we found this program. Our kids can't get enough! read more

My 4 kids have been going to Crenshaw's since they were 18 months old. They have now attended programs there for almost 9 years. All 4 learned to swim at Crenshaw's and loved it. The instructors are caring and very attentive. The pool is heated and has a large shallow end. The gymnastics program is exceptional. I would highly recommend it. They have multiple coaches working with the kids and great equipment. My kids take each year and their coordination and skill have grown. My kids feel completely at home and everyone knows their names. The staff is always helpful, friendly and positive. They do a great job with kids night out, Summer Camps, and Birthday parties. We LOVE Crenshaw's!!! read more

We absolutely love the preschool here, and the gymnastics program my son does after school and in the summer. As a kid, I actually learned how to swim at Crenshaw's, and the place is still going strong for a reason. All the preschool teachers are highly educated, kind, and professional, and my daughter adores them all. The very small "teams" or classes are amazing. I love that my daughter gets swimming lessons and plenty of exercise every day. One of her classmate's mother is a former kindergarten teacher, and she assured me the kids were more than prepared for kindergarten. My daughter loves coming to this happy little school every day, which she didn't at her previous school -- she often doesn't want to leave! Best part is she falls asleep right away at the end of the day from all the good exercise! read more

My kids have been going to Crenshaw's for the past 9 years and we love it! It has been so nice to have structured and active child care all the way from pre-school through 5th grade. The staff are friendly and actively engage with the students. There is low turnover so the children see familiar faces year over year which is very helpful. It is great to have such a wonderful facility in the neighborhood! read more

i don't take any joy in giving a less then good review... but since my experience was so different than the other reviews, i feel compelled to share honestly... having experienced both Capital, Champions, and Crenshaw, I have a platform to compare, so this is from my personal experience: Crenshaw facilities are older and a bit run down, the gymnasium is a bit stifling in the summer, with no or little AC. but more disappointing is their lack of service orientation... first, the front office manager is unpersonable, which i find disappointing considering this is a family-oriented service position.... second, the head coach is also a bit austere, unapproachable, and gives the same run-around to any involved parent (i've heard him say the same exact sentence to many). i understand if it was about having a more 'serious' recreational program (which it's not really), but i would expect it to show in the lessons, not just in this attitude. this is a kids program, it should be full of positivity and connection. read more

I love this place! I went there as a kid (about 3 or 4 years old). I participated in their gymnastics classes and camps.I learned so much there!! I learned how to swim there and most of all I had incredible gymnastics coaching. I started off in their gym classes and then joined their gymnastics team (their competition team). This place gave me a majority of my childhood memories. Their campers were the funnest thing I have ever done and their staff is super friendly and genuinely want the children to grow in all aspects of life. The after school care program also provides homework help/time which is super beneficial. Overall it's a great place! read more

Our 5-year-old boy has been taking gymnastics and swimming here for a year and a half, and we adore it. Nothing fancy, just excellent teachers with experience and a great way with children. I hope he keeps going for a long time. read more

Joined because it was close to my house and I needed a pool. I just ended my membership because, well because I cant find it in my budget right now. The attendents in the weight room are very good. The weight room is small but very rarely crowded durring the early afternoon. The pool is small and usually full during the daytime hours and the avg age is probably over 65. So not so great for swimming but it did serve its purpose. Poor service responding to inquiries about billing and not very infomative or responsive to emails which would be convenient. Very rarely did i receive a greeting from the front desk. Not very welcoming or friendly. Overall, my experience left me feeling pretty down on Crenshaws. Not sure I would recommend it. read more

My daughter takes the parent child classes at Crenshaw's and we loved it until her teacher left. The new instructor is nice but doesn't really know how to work with young children. The age group is hard (2-3). Many times they just don't want to do what they are asked to. We may be back for the next session but not with this instructor. read more

Crenshaw's Palaestra preschool is truly an Austin treasure. We first enjoyed the parent/tot gymnastics class before moving on to the preschool, where my daughter gets swimming, gymnastics, language arts, science and math, as well as a well-rounded arts program. The teachers are incredible, and I also regularly see the owner and director playing with the children themselves. I often hear many fellow parents of preschool children refer to Crenshaw's as Austin's best kept secret. We will be sad to leave when my child starts kindergarten, but thanks to Crenshaw's, she will do so very prepared. read more

I am still a fan of Crenshaw's gymnastics program. But after a year of classes, I don't feel like the instructors made an effort to get to know my kids. I am happy with the progress they made and we will probably come back in the Fall. read more

Came today from Houston for my niece's bday party and absolutely loved this place. The people that work here are extra sweet and the facility is super clean. You can tell they work hard to create a fun experience for children. read more

We have been really pleased with Crenshaw. Our 4 year-old son attended the preschool summer program, and came out swimming on his own. After going daily during the summer to drop off and pick up, our 3 year-old became very fond of the directors and was easy to transition then into the fall preschool program there. There is less of a chance to get to know staff during the summer because it is super busy during drop off and pick-up, but Gil and Kristen were ALWAYS right there to greet us and our kids....and they (as well as Alice and a number of other staff) were instrumental in getting my younger son over his fear of being away from me in order to start the fall program. We feel very at home there and definitely feel that it is a successful family-run operation. My husband and I have no doubt that our 3 boys will be a part of Crenshaw for years to come. Oh....also, I see a couple of comments regarding instructors' interaction with the kids. We have never seen a lack of compassion toward our kids....a number of the instructors are younger, and we could see how their more casual approach can sometimes come across as such. We have never seen anything, though, that would affect our returning to Crenshaw in the future. read more

My kids love going to Crenshaw Athletic Club. I have two boys who have attended their after school program for years and the gymnastics training has really improved their conditioning for other sports like soccer and swimming. The Spinner gymnastics team is phenomenal! Crenshaw's also has great programs like summer camps that are truly "all day" and they really engage the kids in all kinds of activities. Their counselors and trainers are top notch and Crenshaw's still has that "old Austin" family business feel that is becoming rare. My four year old daughter attended a three-week swimming and gymnastics camp this summer for a few hours each weekday. At the end of that program she is swimming without any floatation or aid. Amazing! read more

Our very active kiddo -- who struggled in Montessori -- was welcomed and nurtured and loved in their Palaestra program. The teachers completely embraced his energy level and somehow managed to get him well-prepared for Kinder next year. We're ever grateful top Crenshaw's for embracing our son and figuring out how to help him succeed. Thanks Gil, Kristin, and all the really terrific teachers. read more

I cannot speak highly enough of this amazing preschool. There is none like it in Austin. The teachers are outstanding, and after two years here, my daughter is more confident, skilled, and smart than I could have imagined at five. She can swim laps, do flips on the trampoline, and speak some Spanish, as well as talk about gravity and other science issues. She has felt loved and supported as she has grown into the phenomenal kid she is. I can't imagine how she could be better prepared for kindergarten. read more

Our two grandchildren, ages one and a half and 2 1/2 just completed a gymnastics course which met weekly for approximately three months. Due to their young age parents/grandparents had to accompany them. My wife and I have gotten great pleasure out of watching them develop their fine and gross motor skills, have fun, and seeing their weekly progress. Believe it or not, children of that age learn the joys and safety factors in using a trampoline, walking a balance beam, climbing walls and ladders, learning forward rolls, walking up tilted ladders doing the Firemans crawl and doing the bear crawl on the low parallel bars. The facility is good and has everything that children need to exercise and develop their skills. However, nothing can compare with the excellent tutelage, supervision, and professional interaction that was given by their instructor AJ. He has that special knack of teaching children skills and helping them have fun at the same time. He is great at overcoming shyness, intervening when needed, and backing off in order to make the kids comfortable. My wife and I have both worked 35 years with children. We notice in him that rare quality which occasional teachers have who are able to reach their children and make them feel competent and special. read more

I took swim lessons at Crenshaw's growing up and learned proper stroke form, bilateral breathing, and flip turns. 30 years later I'm a triathlete and grateful to have gotten such a solid foundation in those lessons back in the '80s. I know many adult swimmers who struggle to breathe on both sides; given how much of swimming is about proper technique, I'm realizing how valuable it was to learn properly as a child from a knowledgeable teacher. I don't live in Austin now but if I did, my kids would be taking swim lessons in the same pool I learned in all those years ago. Swim lessons from a good school are well worth it. read more

We love Crenshaws! My son wakes up every morning asking if it's a Crenshaws day. The preschool program is awesome allowing not only academic and art times, but also swim and gym time. The staff is top quality and very helpful. I have 3 young children and they're always very helpful when I have to bring the whole crew. In a time when good childcare is hard to find, it's priceless to have found a place that offers GREAT childcare and I know I can trust my kids in their very capable hands. Thank you so much, Crenshaws, for not letting me have to lower my standards. read more

Nothing beats Crenshaws!! We started our 4 year old son doing Saturday gymnastics at Crenshaws and soon realize how amazing it was. We didn't realize they had a daytime program called 'Palaestra' that is the most amazing thing we have done for our son. They have flexible times during the week and even extended times to stay for lunch or nap. We have a VERY active little boy and the school he was in before, he was just not striving in. We moved him to Crenshaws and his behavior completely changed. He was happier, had less tantrums, and seemed so satisfied when I picked him up. He talks about school and what he did everyday. The enthusiasm is so apparent. The only drawback is that I wish we would have known about their program sooner. My son has matured in so many ways. Crenshaws really builds the kids confidence and gives them structure. The teachers and coaches are so amazing. They swim and do gymnastics everyday. They keep the kids so busy they never have a chance to get bored or get into trouble. My son even asks to be dropped off early so he can have time for "free play" in the gym before school starts. I honestly can't say enough good things about this place, it has changed our lives. The gym is so fun, and so big. There is so much to do. The ratios of kids to teachers is perfect for their age group. If you are looking for something active, fun, challenging, and engaging for your kids this is the place! I also love that it's family owned and operated. You can see how much care is put into the facilities. read more